Keeping my cell number

[Sidelong]

I would like to change Service Provider and keep my 082 number. (Ideally the freedom to change network providers, but one step at a time ... )

I see MTN are launching this on July 1 (tomorrow).

Any ideas on Vodacom's launch date?

(Apologies if this is in the wrong forum - please feel free to move it, mods )

 

[vodacom3g]

Will check up for you but suspect still a way off.

 

[ic]

I would like to change Service Provider and keep my 082 number. (Ideally the freedom to change network providers, but one step at a time ... )

I see MTN are launching this on July 1 (tomorrow).

Any ideas on Vodacom's launch date?

(Apologies if this is in the wrong forum - please feel free to move it, mods )

Do you mean Number Portability?

Unless I am missing something, I doubt that MTN would be ready to launch Number Portability when the collaborative database thingy isn't in place, and even the Convergence Bill isn't signed off yet which will have an effect on Number Portability...

 

[Daveogg]

As of July 1 this year, MTN will allow its contract subscribers to move between service providers and still retain their cell phone number.

MTN has five service providers – Nashua Mobile, Allied Technologies (Altech) subsidiary Autopage Cellular, Orion Telecom, iTalk and its own service provider. Not to be confused with mobile network operators (Vodacom, MTN and Cell C), service providers resell on behalf of the big three, but then tailor-make their own packages to distinguish the services they provide to the customer. Although service providers can make up their own packages, they are not allowed to set call tariffs, having to adhere to what is specified by the networks.

http://www.mybroadband.co.za/nephp/?m=show&id=423

 

[ic]

Ahhh ok, haven't read that article yet, still it's just between MTN service providers - IMO this should have been in place from the beginning...

 

[Sidelong]

Sorry ic - should have made that clearer ... yes, I am just responding to the news article Daveogg referred to. Clearly the "real" portability is still a way off

It's frustrating when your SP has new contract specials better than the upgrade specials and their response is "suck it up" when you query the logic. They lock your in with the thought that you will be willing to pay an extra R20 per month to keep your cell number

 

[regardtv]

While it should have been in place NONE of the providers could do it till today ...

It's a good start and an indication that MTN are proactively getting their services ready for the new bills etc.